University of Bristol United Kingdom

BSc Social Policy with Study Abroad

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BSc Social Policy with Study Abroad at the University of Bristol equips you to critically analyse the complex social issues that shape wellbeing, inequality, and disadvantage globally. You will delve into social, political, and economic theories to understand how policies impact individuals and communities, preparing you for a career dedicated to evidence-based solutions. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students eager to tackle societal challenges through rigorous academic inquiry and comparative policy analysis, fostering essential skills in critical thinking and research.

This full-time, four-year undergraduate programme is studied on campus, with your third year dedicated to an immersive study abroad experience. You will build a strong foundation in social research methods and key concepts in social policy during your first two years, before undertaking a significant independent dissertation in your final year. Throughout your degree, you will engage with diverse optional units, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests. You will graduate with the analytical and research skills necessary for a wide range of careers in public service, non-governmental organisations, and policy research.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BSc program in Social Policy with Study Abroad provides a comprehensive exploration of social policy, its historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and contemporary challenges. Students will develop critical research and analytical skills, examining issues such as inequality, welfare, and global policy dynamics. The curriculum includes a mandatory year abroad, offering international perspectives before culminating in a dissertation and a range of specialized optional units in the final year.

1 Year 1 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Social Policy Past and Present Mandatory
Critical Skills for Social Scientists: Social Policy Mandatory
Key Concepts, Theories and Ideologies in Social Policy Mandatory
Comparative and International Policy Studies Mandatory
Segregation and Inequality in International Perspective Mandatory
Collective Action and Policy Change Optional
Global Challenges Optional
Choose open units Optional

2 Year 2 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Social Research Methods Mandatory
Theorising Social Welfare Mandatory
Understanding Public Policy Mandatory
Health Policy in a Global Context (SPS) Optional
Social Policy and Development Optional
Education Policy in International Perspective Optional
Social Care in Crisis Optional
Punishment in Society Optional
Activist Criminology and Social Policy Optional
Poverty, Social Exclusion and Social Policy Optional
Work and Work Placements: Childhood Studies Optional
International Political Economy and Social Policy Optional

3 Year 3 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Year Abroad Mandatory

4 Year 4 (2024/25 entry cohort)

Dissertation (Social Policy) Mandatory
Violence, Migration and Borders Optional
Housing and home: political economy, inequality and rights Optional
Inequalities in Health, Poverty and Development Optional
Global Illicit Drug Markets Optional
Climate Emergency Optional
Work, Employment, and Society Optional
Disability in Society Optional
Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy Research Optional
Gender based Violence Optional
Sex Power and Consumption Optional
Childhoods in a Global Context Optional
Children and Young People in the Law A Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 30,159.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 120,639.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,285.00 - USD 2,164.00
Food & Groceries USD 1,048.00 - USD 1,402.00
Transport USD 355.00 - USD 693.00
Utilities & Bills USD 10,471.00 - USD 13,967.00
Estimated Total USD 11,874.00 - USD 16,062.00

Living cost estimates are based on Clifton campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

95%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Commercial & Industrial ConstructionCorrections & RehabilitationDrug Discovery & ResearchEdTech & E-LearningElectrical & Mechanical InstallationForensic Science & Criminal JusticeHigher Education & UniversitiesMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementPublic Health & EpidemiologySoftware Development & Engineering

Top Employers Hiring for this course

European commission

North Bristol NHS Trust

United Nations

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

University of Exeter

Why Study BSc Social Policy with Study Abroad at University of Bristol

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Bristol in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BSc Social Policy with Study Abroad at University of Bristol

Can I work while studying?

For degree courses, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work is allowed during breaks, with no separate work permit needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can submit scores from tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For instance, TOEFL requires an overall score of 88, and IELTS requires a minimum score of 6.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue various careers such as social researcher, policy analyst, and community development worker.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program allows you to critically analyze issues like inequality and crime. You'll also develop research and critical thinking skills while exploring social and political theories.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BSc Social Policy with Study Abroad program is September. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to meet the deadlines.
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